by KIM HILSENBECK
Hays CISD is helping its students and their families learn more about living healthier, from lunchroom changes to every day PE to innovative programs. Here are a few examples of healthy happenings at your local Hays CISD school:
“Fuel Up to Play 60” grant
Hays CISD recently celebrated receipt of a new $71,900 grant from Dairy Max to implement “Fuel Up to Play 60.” This program, sponsored by the National Dairy Council and the National Football League, in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture, help make it possible for students to have more opportunities to be physically active and choose tasty, nutrient-rich foods in their school environment.
Each Hays CISD campus will receive $3,595 to put toward healthy eating and physical activity plays. Schools will also hold their own “FUTP60” kick-off and implement the plays later this spring.
New celebration menu rolls out at two Hays CISD schools
The Hays CISD Child Nutrition group, managed by Southwest Foodservice Excellence, is piloting a new celebration menu at Kyle Elementary and Carpenter Hill Elementary. The menu includes options such as fruit kabobs, yogurt and fruit parfaits, custom created snack mix and chocolate covered bananas, along with reduced fat and sugar cupcakes and cakes that can be decorated according to parent’s wishes. According to Sean James, Director Child Nutrition, the items will be delivered to a child’s classroom. James said goodie bags with age-appropriate items are also available. The pilot test will continue at the two schools for the rest of this year then roll out in the fall to more campuses. Visit www.hayscisd.net and click on Café Meals under the Parents & Student tab for more information. Allow about two weeks for orders to be fulfilled.
Fuentes Principal sets a good example for healthy living
Fuentes Principal Regina Butcher is putting her money where her mouth is; partly so she won’t put as much unhealthy food in it. But mostly to potentially earn $10,000, which she said will be used to create a new walking track around the school’s playground.
At 5’6” and 232 pounds, Butcher said she knew her health needed to improve. And how could she tell her students to eat healthy and exercise when she wasn’t modeling that behavior? So she signed up for and earned one of only 25 spots statewide in the H-E-B Slim Down Showdown.
With her school’s support, Butcher is already down 16 pounds and has no plans to slow down. She said her students brought her a desk full of apples and oranges on Valentine’s Day instead of candy and cupcakes.
Butcher earns points in the contest when visitors to her blog comment on her progress or just post notes to cheer her on: visit www.heb.com/slimdown and click on “Regina” to comment and help Principal Butcher on her journey to good health.
